Is the golden fruit palm poisonous? Information about Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

The golden fruit palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is one of the most common plant species in Germany. It has air-purifying properties and feels just as comfortable outside in summer as it does in the house. In general, caution should always be exercised when choosing plants if there is access to children and pets. You can find out below whether this is justified due to the toxicity present or whether it is non-toxic and you can relax accordingly.

Is the golden fruit palm poisonous?

In principle, the answer to the question is clearly no, although there is a rumor in many places that it is primarily poisonous for cats. The pinnate palm, which originally comes from Madagascar, by which the Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is also known, poses no danger to humans, dogs or cats. At least no symptoms of poisoning have become known so far. At the information center against poisoning, the popularly known betel palm is listed as "presumably non-toxic".

Identification problem

Despite the fact that the Areca palm is classified as non-poisonous, there is still no all-clear. One problem is the large number of palm species, some of which are enormous for the golden fruit palm similarsee can. If you have children, dogs and / or cats in the house, you should be absolutely safe for the reason mentioned whether it is the Chrysalidocarpus lutescens before you assume it is non-toxic. Otherwise, of course, you still have the option of placing your “nameless” palm in a place where children, cats and dogs cannot get to the plant as a precaution.
Typical identifying features are:

• Yellow infructescence
• Leaves turn light green to gold when they are in the sun
• Dark dots on the trunk of the palm (these can decrease in old plants)
• Simply split leaf shapes similar after germination (reminds less of the already existing leaves)
• Grows significantly higher outdoors than when kept indoors

tip: If you cannot clearly identify your palm or if you are unsure, you should seek advice from an expert. You can usually find competent help with plant identification in every gardening specialist.

Non-toxic, but still be careful!

Even if the attractive areca palm is not poisonous for humans and animals, it can still cause health-endangering situations. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the following:

Plant remains

If you have cut off shoots or leaves, children and pets can put the plant remains in the mouth. Here they can lead to swallowing and in the worst case even cause suffocation. Therefore: Always dispose of plant residues immediately.

Heavy repotting

The Chrysalidocarpus lutescens grows relatively quickly. Usually it is planted in a larger pot so that it is not prevented from growing. Larger specimens have a corresponding one weight. Make sure that the location offers solid ground where it cannot tip over and possibly fall onto children or pets.

Cuts and stab wounds

The fronds of the golden fruit palms are relatively sharp and pointed. If you have cut off fronds and they get into the hands of children, they can cause painful cuts and stab wounds. In the case of injuries to the eye, this can have particularly dangerous consequences for the eyesight.
People can also injure themselves when walking past the sharp, pointed fronds. So make sure that an optimal location is selected and make sure that severed fronds do not belong in the hands of children.

Do not allow animals to eat

dog and cat

The fact that the golden fruit palm is not poisonous for dogs and cats does not mean that they should now nibble on them carelessly. Velvet paws in particular like to enjoy the leaves. But if fronds are eaten, it is not good for them. The traces of nibbling can soon be seen in the form of brown leaves. Overall, this disturbs the well-kept image of the golden fruit palm.

Birds

Special care should be taken with birds. Whether the budgie or canary, they usually cannot tolerate nibbling and it is not uncommon for them to die as a result. The Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is not poisonous for them either, but the plants are usually fertilized. Even Pesticides and Hormones could be in the parts of the plant, especially plants you just bought. The immune system of the small birds would not be able to cope with this if the substances got into their bodies through the leaves. This also applies to pecking in the potting soil. This should always be covered with pebbles or the like if your bird has a preference for potting soil. Basically, you should make sure that birds do not have any access to a golden fruit palm.